Every year I look forward to hearing Pantone’s color of the year. Past favorites include turquoise (LOVE!), tangerine, and honeysuckle. This year, Emerald was named the ‘it’ color of 2013. Green is typically a color I adore, but as you can see from my Signature Style board I tend to stay on the lighter side, ‘jade’ being about as dark as I go.
When I asked about the color on Facebook, reviews were mixed. Some are embracing it full force and others are having nightmares of silk blouses from 1982.
As with all trends, if Emerald is a color you love then by all means jump on it! Now that I’m narrowing down my personal style, I decided to look for ways to test the Emerald waters without jumping in with both feet. It’s a color that can be overpowering when used in large quantities (but NOT overpowering if you want to give me emeralds, just clarifying for my husband). On that note, here’s a few ways to use it as a pop of color or a focal point in your home without totally going to the Emerald City– unless you personally love lions and tigers and bears (oh my!)
1. Throw Pillows
You know how much I love a Greek Key pattern, so this pillow with Emerald trim is woo-ing me beyond belief.
Why buy the couch when you can turn it green with envy? These throw pillows are gorgeous without going all 80s on us.
2. Curtain Call
Emerald green curtains are luxurious and definitely make a statement. These green chevron curtains are simple yet bold:
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Or keep it streamlined with plain green curtains that make a strong, rich statement. And oh my, that wall color!
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These malachite curtains are stunners, but if you aren’t ready to take that risk then green bottles on your bar cart are easy AND delicious. 😉
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3. Art as a Start
Art adds life to a home. This emerald deer is funky and fun, and happens to combine three hot trends right now: antlers, silhouettes, and emerald.
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If you like a vintage vibe, grab a paintbrush and paint a frame or find one from a seller on Etsy. A mirror or simple black and white art would look amazing surrounded by Emerald.
4. Vintage Emerald for Modern Inspiration
What’s old is usually new again, and sure enough it turns out Emerald has been around a looong time. Green is luxe, it’s rich, it signifies growth and healing and prosperity. Why do you think it’s featured so prominently in my latest obsession, Downton Abbey?
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Green glass is all over the place, online and at your local thrift store. Plus it can often be picked up for a song since until recently green wasn’t among the most desirable shades to buy.
5. Plant it
Emerald will pop with just about any metallic color such as these succulents in vintage silver goblets. And amazingly I just found the same goblet at a thrift store yesterday– for $2.50. Who says Emerald needs to cost major bucks?
6. Furniture
The living areas of my home are decorated in a neutral palette– a neutral palette just begging for a boldly painted piece of furniture like these amazing chairs.
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More vintage love. This time, in an emerald-ish filing cabinet.
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7. Off the Wall
This one definitely requires a deep breath and jumping in with both feet, but WOW what a look! This is Feather and Bloom wallpaper in Emerald and Ore.
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If you love the color Emerald embrace it– all over your walls. It’s so crisp and fresh, paired with white!
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8. Floored
This is definitely a bold look for Emerald lovers. Paired with a neutral stairway, that rug is the star.
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9. A-door-able (um. a cute way of saying doors.)
Paint is one of the easiest ways to add a trendy color to your space, and a door is a fun place to try it out! This barn door? LOVE.
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10. Book It
Scour your thrift store for some vintage books with Emerald bindings. Often classic books in beautiful shades can be found for a few dollars, but if you don’t have time to search, sellers such as this one on Etsy have done the hard work for you.
As for me, I’m playing it safe and finding ways to infuse my life with Emerald a little at a time– even if it does turn out to be a miserable, sloppy failure. BLERG.
Want more? A bunch of my blogging besties teamed up to showcase the various sides of Emerald. Take a moment and visit these awesome ladies and say hi. You’re going to discover some new blogs to love, I’m sure of it! Simply click each photo below to be taken to that post.
i am not an emerald lover (i just took darlene’s quiz!) but you have me questioning myself with these amazing images!!!!! i LOVE those curtains!!!! and the deer art, well i need that-so fun! great images, carrie. my wheels are spinning!
Beautiful images and inspirations for bringing a little or a lot of Emerald into our homes…” Emerald City” isn’t for me personally but I am amazed at how many clients are asking for it. My answer is similar to yours… if you love it than lets embrace it… but remember a room designed around this colour will have an invisible post it note on it that says “Done in 2013”!
Gorgeous post! If it’s good enough for Lady Mary, it’s good enough for me!
Emerald can be a tricky color, but you showcased it beautifully! I especially love those throw pillows. I’ve always had a weakness for emerald-colored fashion accessories. I was excited to see them popping up in stores this month.
Jenn
Oh amazing curtains where can I buy them ? Please help with this
Hi Lila, unfortunately the website where I got that photo doesn’t have a source. If it’s the green chevron curtains you’re talking about, perhaps Google will be able to find them? If not, you could paint them yourself if you like to DIY!